ESRM 350 The Decline (and Fall?) of the White-tailed Jackrabbit

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "ESRM 350 The Decline (and Fall?) of the White-tailed Jackrabbit"

Transcription

1 ESRM 350 The Decline (and Fall?) of the White-tailed Jackrabbit Autumn 2013

2 Outline (the 5 Components) (1) Background why leporids are such great study subjects (2) About white-tailed jackrabbits (3) The conservation problem: where have all the jackrabbits gone? (4) The science what we know, and need to know (5) Solution(s)?

3 1. Background All the world will be your enemy And when they catch you, they will kill you But first they must catch you - Richard Adams, Watership Down

4 15 years of Leporid Research Long-term study: predation as a driver of dynamics in low-density snowshoe hare populations Work began in Idaho (1998); now in northern Okanogan County, WA Why snowshoe hares? The ultimate prey species Lolo Pass, ID

5 Hares and Rabbits

6 Hares and Rabbits Hares Rabbits Tend to be larger Don t live in burrows Produce precocial young ( leverets ) Tend to be smaller Live in burrows Produce altricial young ( kits )

7 Where Do Jackrabbits Fit? Hares Rabbits Tend to be larger Don t live in burrows Produce precocial young ( leverets ) Tend to be smaller Live in burrows Produce altricial young ( kits )

8 Where Do Jackrabbits Fit? Hares Rabbits Tend to be larger Don t live in burrows Produce precocial young ( leverets ) Tend to be smaller Live in burrows Produce altricial young ( kits )

9 2. The White-Tailed Jackrabbit Lepus townsendii 3-5 kg (6-10 lbs) Generally associated with open prairie (short grasslands) Populations in cold areas molt into a white winter coat* do not hibernate *Hansen and Bear (1963) J Mammalogy Herbivorous forbs and grasses in summer; woody browse in winter (e.g., sagebrush) Hindgut fermenter Microbial fermentation in the large intestine and cecum Coprophagic Fecund 2-4 litters/y; 3-6 leverets per litter

10 Many Enemies Important food source for many grassland predators notably: coyotes, foxes, and birds of prey (e.g., golden eagle to the right) Aquila chrysaetos Canis latrans Vulpes vulpes

11 Good Defenses Hiding (in forms) Keen senses (big eyes, ears) Speed (up to 50 mph) Leaping (up to 20 feet) Agility Nocturnal Rogowitz (1997) J Mammalogy

12 3. The Conservation Problem Across the American west, jackrabbits appear to be in sharp decline - Interesting because whitetailed jackrabbits listed as least concern by IUCN The challenge - we don t know why y-axis metric accounts for hunter effort Ripple et al. (2013) Biological Conservation

13 Jackrabbits Gone From Yellowstone? In the Gardiner Valley, WY jackrabbits once a common sight but now rare Berger (2008) Oryx

14 International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Lists the white-tailed jackrabbit as Least Concern - population trend listed as decreasing, however Why?

15 International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Lists the white-tailed jackrabbit as Least Concern - population trend listed as decreasing, however Why? The shifting baseline syndrome * *Pauly (1995) TREE

16 4. What Does Science Say About Possible Culprits?

17 Possible Culprits: Agriculture? White-tailed jackrabbits thrive in open, short- to midheight grasslands - short vegetation facilitates visibility; impedes escape (sprinting) - short grasslands maintained by grazing, disturbance Iowa Department of Natural Resources (2004)

18 Possible Culprits: Agriculture? White-tailed jackrabbits thrive in open, short- to midheight grasslands - short vegetation facilitates visibility; impedes escape (sprinting) - short grasslands maintained by grazing, disturbance Much of the species range is cultivated - tall crops (corn) reduce habitat quality - Recent popularity of corn has exacerbated problem Iowa Department of Natural Resources (2004)

19 Possible Culprits: Livestock Ripple et al. (2013) Biological Conservation

20 Possible Culprits: Coyote Irruption Once a prairie species - coyotes are now ubiquitous in North America - historical accounts suggest rarity throughout the west* - roughly 1 million in the western 11 states alone* *Ripple et al. (2013) Biological Conservation

21 Possible Culprits: Coyote Irruption With short grasslands diminishing - Could white-tailed jackrabbit also be succumbing to increasing predation pressure? *Ripple et al. (2013) Biological Conservation

22 5. Research Needs and Possible Solutions The landscape of the American west has changed dramatically Hypothesis one: white-tailed jackrabbits are in decline because of loss and fragmentation of short-grass prairie - What do we need to test it? - If supported, what might some policy options be?

23 5. Research Needs and Possible Solutions The landscape of the American west has changed dramatically Hypothesis two: white-tailed jackrabbits are in decline because of competition with livestock - What do we need to test it? - If supported, what might some policy options be?

24 5. Research Needs and Possible Solutions The landscape of the American west has changed dramatically Hypothesis two: white-tailed jackrabbits are in decline because of competition with livestock - What do we need to test it? - If supported, what might some policy options be? - Could grazing be compatible with jackrabbits?* *Flinders and Hansen (1975) J Range Management

25 5. Research Needs and Possible Solutions The landscape of the American west has changed dramatically Hypothesis three: white-tailed jackrabbits are in decline because of increasing predation by coyotes - What do we need to test it? - If supported, what might some policy options be?

26 Coda: Reason for Optimism? Aldo Leopold (1937) American Forests

27 Coda: Reason for Optimism? Wolves are on the rise in the west

28 Coda: Reason for Optimism? Coyotes affected (direct killing by wolves, avoidance, and?*) *Ripple et al. (2013) Biological Conservation

29 Coda: Reason for Optimism? Coyotes affected (direct killing by wolves, avoidance, and?*) *also, dietary shift

30 Coda: Reason for Optimism? Coyotes decline (reduced predation on jackrabbits in some areas) Jackrabbits rebound? In all areas?

Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis)

Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) Conservation Status: Near Threatened. FIELD GUIDE TO NORTH AMERICAN MAMMALS Pygmy Rabbits dig extensive burrow systems, which are also used by other animals. Loss

More information

Snowshoe Hare. Lepus americanus. Other common names. Introduction. Physical Description and Anatomy. Snowshoe rabbit, varying hare, white rabbit

Snowshoe Hare. Lepus americanus. Other common names. Introduction. Physical Description and Anatomy. Snowshoe rabbit, varying hare, white rabbit Snowshoe Hare Lepus americanus Other common names Snowshoe rabbit, varying hare, white rabbit Introduction Snowshoe hares are named for their hind feet, which are large and webbed and act like snowshoes,

More information

Coyote (Canis latrans)

Coyote (Canis latrans) Coyote (Canis latrans) Coyotes are among the most adaptable mammals in North America. They have an enormous geographical distribution and can live in very diverse ecological settings, even successfully

More information

This Coloring Book has been adapted for the Wildlife of the Table Rocks

This Coloring Book has been adapted for the Wildlife of the Table Rocks This Coloring Book has been adapted for the Wildlife of the Table Rocks All images and some writing belong to: Additional writing by: The Table Rocks Environmental Education Program I became the national

More information

Lab 8 Order Carnivora: Families Canidae, Felidae, and Ursidae Need to know Terms: carnassials, digitigrade, reproductive suppression, Jacobson s organ

Lab 8 Order Carnivora: Families Canidae, Felidae, and Ursidae Need to know Terms: carnassials, digitigrade, reproductive suppression, Jacobson s organ Lab 8 Order Carnivora: Families Canidae, Felidae, and Ursidae Need to know Terms: carnassials, digitigrade, reproductive suppression, Jacobson s organ Family Canidae Canis latrans ID based on skull, photos,

More information

Raptor Ecology in the Thunder Basin of Northeast Wyoming

Raptor Ecology in the Thunder Basin of Northeast Wyoming Raptor Ecology in the Thunder Basin Northeast Wyoming 121 Kort Clayton Thunderbird Wildlife Consulting, Inc. My presentation today will hopefully provide a fairly general overview the taxonomy and natural

More information

ECOSYSTEMS Wolves in Yellowstone

ECOSYSTEMS Wolves in Yellowstone ECOSYSTEMS Wolves in Yellowstone Adapted from Background Two hundred years ago, around 1800, Yellowstone looked much like it does today; forest covered mountain areas and plateaus, large grassy valleys,

More information

Snowshoe Hare and Canada Lynx Populations

Snowshoe Hare and Canada Lynx Populations Snowshoe Hare and Canada Lynx Populations Ashley Knoblock Dr. Grossnickle Bio 171 Animal Biology Lab 2 December 1, 2014 Ashley Knoblock Dr. Grossnickle Bio 171 Lab 2 Snowshoe Hare and Canada Lynx Populations

More information

Who Am I? What are some things you can do to help protect my home? Track: Ohio Department of Natural Resources Photo: Cottonwood Canyons Foundation

Who Am I? What are some things you can do to help protect my home? Track: Ohio Department of Natural Resources Photo: Cottonwood Canyons Foundation Who Am I? What are some things you can do to help protect my home? Track: Ohio Department of Natural Resources Photo: Cottonwood Canyons Foundation I am a Red Squirrel! I live here in Alta. I build my

More information

Veterinary Science. Rabbit Unit Handouts

Veterinary Science. Rabbit Unit Handouts Veterinary Science Rabbit Unit Handouts Rabbits Classification o Order: Family 1. - Pika Family 2. - Rabbits and Hares Genus 1. - American cottontail o Genus 2. - True hares o Genus 3. - European hares

More information

Coyote. Canis latrans. Other common names. Introduction. Physical Description and Anatomy. Eastern Coyote

Coyote. Canis latrans. Other common names. Introduction. Physical Description and Anatomy. Eastern Coyote Coyote Canis latrans Other common names Eastern Coyote Introduction Coyotes are the largest wild canine with breeding populations in New York State. There is plenty of high quality habitat throughout the

More information

MAMMAL SPECIES SEEN AT SCOTTSDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE INDEX OF 14 SPECIES

MAMMAL SPECIES SEEN AT SCOTTSDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE INDEX OF 14 SPECIES MAMMAL SPECIES SEEN AT SCOTTSDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE INDEX OF 14 SPECIES References at end. Text written by staff. Photos by Roy Barnes, Emma Olsen and Dr. John Weser. Bailey's Pocket Mouse Black-tailed

More information

Bobcat Interpretive Guide

Bobcat Interpretive Guide Interpretive Guide Exhibit Talking Point: Our job as interpreters is to link what the visitors are seeing to The Zoo's conservation education messages. Our goal is to spark curiosity, create emotional

More information

Original Draft: 11/4/97 Revised Draft: 6/21/12

Original Draft: 11/4/97 Revised Draft: 6/21/12 Original Draft: 11/4/97 Revised Draft: 6/21/12 Dear Interested Person or Party: The following is a scientific opinion letter requested by Brooks Fahy, Executive Director of Predator Defense. This letter

More information

BOBWHITE QUAIL HABITAT EVALUATION

BOBWHITE QUAIL HABITAT EVALUATION BOBWHITE QUAIL HABITAT EVALUATION Introduction The Northern Bobwhite Quail (Colinus virginianus) is the most well known and popular upland game bird in Oklahoma. The bobwhite occurs statewide and its numbers

More information

Ecological Studies of Wolves on Isle Royale

Ecological Studies of Wolves on Isle Royale Ecological Studies of Wolves on Isle Royale 2017-2018 I can explain how and why communities of living organisms change over time. Summary Between January 2017 and January 2018, the wolf population continued

More information

FALL 2015 BLACK-FOOTED FERRET SURVEY LOGAN COUNTY, KANSAS DAN MULHERN; U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

FALL 2015 BLACK-FOOTED FERRET SURVEY LOGAN COUNTY, KANSAS DAN MULHERN; U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE INTRODUCTION FALL 2015 BLACK-FOOTED FERRET SURVEY LOGAN COUNTY, KANSAS DAN MULHERN; U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE As part of ongoing efforts to monitor the status of reintroduced endangered black-footed

More information

Primary Activity #1. The Story of Noir, the Black-footed Ferret. Description: Procedure:

Primary Activity #1. The Story of Noir, the Black-footed Ferret. Description: Procedure: 50 Primary Activity #1 The Story of Noir, the Black-footed Ferret Description: Students will learn about the habitat and life of a black-footed ferret as they read the story of Noir, the black-footed ferret.

More information

Examples of herbivorous animals: rabbits, deer and beaver

Examples of herbivorous animals: rabbits, deer and beaver Mammal Adaptations Mammals are a group of animals that fit together because they all 1)have fur or hair 2) bear live young 3) feed their young with milk from specialized mammary glands. We are going to

More information

GREATER SAGE-GROUSE BROOD-REARING HABITAT MANIPULATION IN MOUNTAIN BIG SAGEBRUSH, USE OF TREATMENTS, AND REPRODUCTIVE ECOLOGY ON PARKER MOUNTAIN, UTAH

GREATER SAGE-GROUSE BROOD-REARING HABITAT MANIPULATION IN MOUNTAIN BIG SAGEBRUSH, USE OF TREATMENTS, AND REPRODUCTIVE ECOLOGY ON PARKER MOUNTAIN, UTAH GREATER SAGE-GROUSE BROOD-REARING HABITAT MANIPULATION IN MOUNTAIN BIG SAGEBRUSH, USE OF TREATMENTS, AND REPRODUCTIVE ECOLOGY ON PARKER MOUNTAIN, UTAH Abstract We used an experimental design to treat greater

More information

R.K. Lyons R.V. Machen

R.K. Lyons R.V. Machen Managing Natural Resources Stocking Rate, Carrying Capacity & Animal Units Gillespie County Beef & Range Field Day May 12, 2011 R.K. Lyons R.V. Machen Goals Personal Resources Soil Plants Animals How are

More information

Beaver. Mammal Rodent

Beaver. Mammal Rodent Beaver Rodent Is the second largest rodent in the world. It is a semi-aquatic rodent that is primarily nocturnal. They are mainly known for building dams, canals, and lodges(their homes). Large sharp front

More information

Feral Animals in Australia. An environmental education and sustainability resource kit for educators

Feral Animals in Australia. An environmental education and sustainability resource kit for educators An environmental education and sustainability resource kit for educators Use this presentation with: www.rabbitscan.net.au associated rabbitscan teaching resources the RabbitScan May 2009 Field Excursion

More information

Loss of wildlands could increase wolf-human conflicts, PA G E 4 A conversation about red wolf recovery, PA G E 8

Loss of wildlands could increase wolf-human conflicts, PA G E 4 A conversation about red wolf recovery, PA G E 8 Loss of wildlands could increase wolf-human conflicts, PA G E 4 A conversation about red wolf recovery, PA G E 8 A Closer Look at Red Wolf Recovery A Conversation with Dr. David R. Rabon PHOTOS BY BECKY

More information

ASSESSMENT. Assessment

ASSESSMENT. Assessment ASSESSMENT Assessment This section provides some possible questions that could be incorporated into a pre and/or postassessment of student learning regarding concepts covered with the Bone Box Resource

More information

A Prairie Dog s Life. Visit for thousands of books and materials.

A Prairie Dog s Life.   Visit   for thousands of books and materials. A Prairie Dog s Life A Reading A Z Level M Leveled Reader Word Count: 546 LEVELED READER M Written by Julie Mettenburg Visit www.readinga-z.com for thousands of books and materials. www.readinga-z.com

More information

Mammal Identification In Ontario. Niagara College Fauna Identification Course # ENVR9259

Mammal Identification In Ontario. Niagara College Fauna Identification Course # ENVR9259 Mammal Identification In Ontario Niagara College Fauna Identification Course # ENVR9259 About Mammals Mammals evolved from reptiles 200,000,000 years ago. Their rise and subsequent proliferation coincided

More information

Slide 1. Slide 2. Slide 3 Population Size 450. Slide 4

Slide 1. Slide 2. Slide 3 Population Size 450. Slide 4 Slide 1 Slide 2 The science behind management of game birds, predators, and landscapes of the Midwest: the ups and downs of pheasant populations William R. Clark Iowa State University Iowa DNR, DU- IWWR,

More information

Endangered Species: The cheetah

Endangered Species: The cheetah Endangered Species: The cheetah By Gale, Cengage Learning, adapted by Newsela staff on 01.05.18 Word Count 626 Level MAX Image 1: Cheetahs are famous for their round, black spots, which help them to hide

More information

Mexican Gray Wolf Endangered Population Modeling in the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area

Mexican Gray Wolf Endangered Population Modeling in the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area Mexican Gray Wolf Endangered Population Modeling in the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area New Mexico Super Computing Challenge Final Report April 3, 2012 Team 61 Little Earth School Team Members: Busayo Bird

More information

Rabbits and hares (Lagomorpha)

Rabbits and hares (Lagomorpha) Rabbits and hares (Lagomorpha) Rabbits and hares are part of a small order of mammals called lagomorphs. They are herbivores (feeding only on vegetation) with enlarged front teeth (anterior incisors) which

More information

Trends in Fisher Predation in California A focus on the SNAMP fisher project

Trends in Fisher Predation in California A focus on the SNAMP fisher project Trends in Fisher Predation in California A focus on the SNAMP fisher project Greta M. Wengert Integral Ecology Research Center UC Davis, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory gmwengert@ucdavis.edu Project Collaborators:

More information

Bobcat. Lynx Rufus. Other common names. Introduction. Physical Description and Anatomy. None

Bobcat. Lynx Rufus. Other common names. Introduction. Physical Description and Anatomy. None Bobcat Lynx Rufus Other common names None Introduction Bobcats are the most common wildcat in North America. Their name comes from the stubby tail, which looks as though it has been bobbed. They are about

More information

ANNUAL PREDATION MANAGEMENT PROJECT REPORTING FORM

ANNUAL PREDATION MANAGEMENT PROJECT REPORTING FORM Nevada Department of Wildlife - Game Division ANNUAL PREDATION MANAGEMENT PROJECT REPORTING FORM Reporting Period: Due Date: 8/1/2015 Current Date: ######## 1) Project Name 2) Project Number 35 5) Project

More information

Primary Activity #1. The Story of Noir, the Black-footed Ferret. Description: Procedure:

Primary Activity #1. The Story of Noir, the Black-footed Ferret. Description: Procedure: 50 Primary Activity #1 The Story of Noir, the Black-footed Ferret Description: Students will learn about the habitat and life of a black-footed ferret as they read the story of Noir, the black-footed ferret.

More information

Factors that describe and determine the territories of canids Keith Steinmann

Factors that describe and determine the territories of canids Keith Steinmann Factors that describe and determine the territories of canids Keith Steinmann A home range is distinguished as the area of a landscape that an individual or pack resides in. A territory is made distinguishable

More information

The Road Lesser Traveled: A Map to Rheabilitation and Conservation By Kenna Mokobi

The Road Lesser Traveled: A Map to Rheabilitation and Conservation By Kenna Mokobi The Road Lesser Traveled: A Map to Rheabilitation and Conservation By Kenna Mokobi Sophomore College: Parks and Peoples with Professor Bill Durham 16th October 2016 Stanford University Picture 1: A lesser

More information

Forests. By: Elyse Jacoby-Jacoby Jungle

Forests. By: Elyse Jacoby-Jacoby Jungle Forests There are forests in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and Australia. The growing season in these forests is about 6 months long. Temperature and Precipitation: The average temperature

More information

Call of the Wild. Investigating Predator/Prey Relationships

Call of the Wild. Investigating Predator/Prey Relationships Biology Call of the Wild Investigating Predator/Prey Relationships MATERIALS AND RESOURCES EACH GROUP calculator computer spoon, plastic 100 beans, individual pinto plate, paper ABOUT THIS LESSON This

More information

Animal Adaptations Woodland Animal Fact Sheet

Animal Adaptations Woodland Animal Fact Sheet Post Visit Resource 5 Animal Adaptations Woodland Animal Fact Sheet Fox Food: Foxes will eat almost anything they can get hold of. They eat small mammals such as rabbits and voles, insects and invertebrates,

More information

Draw a line from the names below to the animals they match. Red Fox. Wild Turkey. Wood Duck. White-tailed Deer. Black Bear

Draw a line from the names below to the animals they match. Red Fox. Wild Turkey. Wood Duck. White-tailed Deer. Black Bear Science and Nature Cente Draw a line from the names below to the animals they match. Which animal do you like the best that you see in the nature center? Red Fox Wild Turkey Wood Duck White-tailed Deer

More information

Ames, IA Ames, IA (515)

Ames, IA Ames, IA (515) BENEFITS OF A CONSERVATION BUFFER-BASED CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR NORTHERN BOBWHITE AND GRASSLAND SONGBIRDS IN AN INTENSIVE PRODUCTION AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE IN THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI ALLUVIAL

More information

VANCOUVER ISLAND MARMOT

VANCOUVER ISLAND MARMOT VANCOUVER ISLAND MARMOT STATUS: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED The Vancouver Island marmot is one of the rarest mammals in the world and can be found only in the alpine meadows on Vancouver Island. By 2003, there

More information

Basin Wildlife. Giant Garter Snake

Basin Wildlife. Giant Garter Snake Basin Wildlife The multiple-species program of the NBHCP addresses a total of 26 wetland and up land plant and animal species. The giant garter snake and Swainson s hawk are its primary focus. Giant Garter

More information

The Long-term Effect of Precipitation on the Breeding Success of Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos homeyeri in the Judean and Negev Deserts, Israel

The Long-term Effect of Precipitation on the Breeding Success of Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos homeyeri in the Judean and Negev Deserts, Israel Meyburg. B-U. & R. D. Chancellor eds. 1996 Eagle Studies World Working Group on Birds of Prey (WWGBP) Berlin, London & Paris The Long-term Effect of Precipitation on the Breeding Success of Golden Eagles

More information

AN APPLIED CASE STUDY of the complexity of ecological systems and process: Why has Lyme disease become an epidemic in the northeastern U.S.

AN APPLIED CASE STUDY of the complexity of ecological systems and process: Why has Lyme disease become an epidemic in the northeastern U.S. AN APPLIED CASE STUDY of the complexity of ecological systems and process: Why has Lyme disease become an epidemic in the northeastern U.S. over the last few decades? What causes Lyme disease? 1 Frequency

More information

PETITION PROPOSED BY: Carolyn J Lantz PETITION WRITTEN BY: Carolyn J Lantz DATE SENT TO THE COMMISSION: 11/13/16

PETITION PROPOSED BY: Carolyn J Lantz PETITION WRITTEN BY: Carolyn J Lantz DATE SENT TO THE COMMISSION: 11/13/16 CITIZEN-PROPOSED ISSUE PAPER Date: 11/13/16 ISSUE: Addition of Macropus species to unregulated list DISCUSSION (FACTS AND FIGURES, EXPLANATION OF ISSUE): See attached WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THIS ISSUE?

More information

ECOLOGY OF ISOLATED INHABITING THE WILDCAT KNOLLS AND HORN

ECOLOGY OF ISOLATED INHABITING THE WILDCAT KNOLLS AND HORN ECOLOGY OF ISOLATED GREATER SAGE GROUSE GROUSE POPULATIONS INHABITING THE WILDCAT KNOLLS AND HORN MOUNTAIN, SOUTHCENTRAL UTAH by Christopher J. Perkins Committee: Dr. Terry Messmer, Dr. Frank Howe, and

More information

Striped Skunk Updated: April 8, 2018

Striped Skunk Updated: April 8, 2018 Striped Skunk Updated: April 8, 2018 Interpretation Guide Status Danger Threats Population Distribution Habitat Diet Size Longevity Social Family Units Reproduction Our Animals Scientific Name Least Concern

More information

PORTRAIT OF THE AMERICAN BALD EAGLE

PORTRAIT OF THE AMERICAN BALD EAGLE PORTRAIT OF THE AMERICAN BALD EAGLE Objectives: To know the history of the bald eagle and the cause of it's decline. To understand what has been done to improve Bald Eagle habitat. To know the characteristics

More information

Genre Expository Thinking Guide and Activities

Genre Expository Thinking Guide and Activities Genre Expository Thinking Guide and Activities Title of the Selection: Flying Lions Teaching Band Grades 3-5 Reading Click here to print the selection http://www.texas-wildlife.org/resources/publications/category/critter-connections/

More information

GRADE 2 LESSON #1 Where do Black-footed Ferrets Live?

GRADE 2 LESSON #1 Where do Black-footed Ferrets Live? MATERIALS Copy of Where do Black-footed Ferrets Live? Student response sheet GRADE 2 LESSON #1 Where do Black-footed Ferrets Live? METHOD Introduce to students that they will be learning about the black-footed

More information

What is the date at which most chicks would have been expected to fledge?

What is the date at which most chicks would have been expected to fledge? CURLEW FAQs FACTS AND FIGURES AND ADVICE FOR THOSE WANTING TO HELP SUPPORT NESTING CURLEW ON THEIR LAND The Eurasian Curlew or, Numenius arquata, spends much of the year on coasts or estuaries, but migrates

More information

THE WOLF WATCHERS. Endangered gray wolves return to the American West

THE WOLF WATCHERS. Endangered gray wolves return to the American West CHAPTER 7 POPULATION ECOLOGY THE WOLF WATCHERS Endangered gray wolves return to the American West THE WOLF WATCHERS Endangered gray wolves return to the American West Main concept Population size and makeup

More information

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS KIT 1

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS KIT 1 Legal Disclaimers & Notices All rights reserved. No part of this document or accompanying files may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or otherwise, by any means without the prior written

More information

Water vole survey on Laughton Level via Mill Farm

Water vole survey on Laughton Level via Mill Farm Water vole survey on Laughton Level via Mill Farm Grid reference: TQ 4911 Mill Farm, Ripe, East Sussex November 2008 Hetty Wakeford Ecologist Sussex Ecology Introduction The Ecologist undertook a water

More information

Alberta Conservation Association 2018/19 Project Summary Report. Project Name: Enchant Project Strong Farmlands. Thriving Habitat.

Alberta Conservation Association 2018/19 Project Summary Report. Project Name: Enchant Project Strong Farmlands. Thriving Habitat. Alberta Conservation Association 2018/19 Project Summary Report Project Name: Enchant Project Strong Farmlands. Thriving Habitat. Wildlife Program Manager: Doug Manzer Project Leader: Layne Seward Primary

More information

2014 Animal Reports Brady Did you know that the Polar Bear may also hunt by swimming beneath ice? Polar bears live in the arctic habitat with other animals like reindeer, arctic wolves, and arctic foxes.

More information

SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology Tooth and Eye Dentification Teacher Resource

SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology Tooth and Eye Dentification Teacher Resource SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology Tooth and Eye Dentification Teacher Resource Grade Levels: 3 rd 5 th Grade 3 rd Grade: SC.3.N.1.1 - Raise questions about the natural world, investigate them individually

More information

Nature Quiz British Birds Birds of Prey

Nature Quiz British Birds Birds of Prey Nature Quiz British Birds Birds of Prey Birds of prey are birds that hunt for food primarily on the wing, using their keen senses, especially vision. Because of their predatory lifestyle, often at the

More information

Family Soricidae Masked shrew Southeastern shrew (long-tailed shrews)

Family Soricidae Masked shrew Southeastern shrew (long-tailed shrews) Masked shrew Southeastern shrew (long-tailed shrews) Solitary, insectivorous & primarily nocturnal Prefers moist habitats Breeds summer-fall Has 1-2 litters per breeding season Family Soricidae Family

More information

Read the text and then answer the questions.

Read the text and then answer the questions. Name: Date: WEEK 8 1 Read the text and then answer the questions. A snowy owl is a beautiful creature. The name of the owl is a good one because the owl is as white as snow. A male snowy owl grows whiter

More information

Grey Fox. Urocyon cinereoargenteus

Grey Fox. Urocyon cinereoargenteus Grey Fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus Other common names Gray fox, tree fox. Introduction The grey fox is unique in that it can rotate its forearms and has curved claws, making it the only canid in America

More information

Saskatchewan Sheep Opportunity

Saskatchewan Sheep Opportunity Saskatchewan Sheep Opportunity Prepared by Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board 2213C Hanselman Court Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7L 6A8 Telephone: (306) 933-5200 Fax: (306) 933-7182 E-mail: sheepdb@sasktel.net

More information

Panther Habitat. Welcome to the. Who Are Florida Panthers? Panther Classification

Panther Habitat. Welcome to the. Who Are Florida Panthers? Panther Classification Welcome to the Panther Habitat Panther Classification Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Felidae Genus: Puma Species: Concolor Subspecies (Southern U.S): P.c. coryi Who Are Florida Panthers? The

More information

Avayalik. An average migration lasted 23 days and birds traveled 3,106 km. Hunting. Nesting

Avayalik. An average migration lasted 23 days and birds traveled 3,106 km. Hunting. Nesting An average migration lasted 23 days and birds traveled 3,106 km. Avayalik Species: Golden Eagle Life Stage: Sub-Adult Gender: Female Release Date: 3/21/2008 Release Location: Harford County, Maryland USA

More information

Turtle Research, Education, and Conservation Program

Turtle Research, Education, and Conservation Program Turtle Population Declines Turtle Research, Education, and Conservation Program Turtles are a remarkable group of animals. They ve existed on earth for over 200 million years; that s close to 100 times

More information

Overview. Classification Distribution General Description Feeding Habits Diet and hunting skills Behavior Life Cycle Birth and development Mortality

Overview. Classification Distribution General Description Feeding Habits Diet and hunting skills Behavior Life Cycle Birth and development Mortality Saving Lives with a Little Natural History in this case, the Red Fox Valerie Ackerman Virginia State Licensed Rehabilitator President, Wilderness Wildlife Rehabilitation Classification Distribution General

More information

The White Kangaroo. Simon Watharow

The White Kangaroo. Simon Watharow Kalari The Natural History of an Urban White Kangaroo words and images by and Steve McNeil Abstract The natural wonder of a white kangaroo is a joy to see. So how much chance do they have to survive in

More information

Science10 (AdaptationsMulberry4th)

Science10 (AdaptationsMulberry4th) Name: Date: 1. Which bird's foot below is best for grasping prey? A. B. C. D. This online assessment item contains material that has been released to the public by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

More information

Desert Tortoise By Guy Belleranti

Desert Tortoise By Guy Belleranti Name: A turtle that lives on land is called a tortoise. One interesting tortoise is the desert tortoise. This reptile lives in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico.

More information

Woodcock: Your Essential Brief

Woodcock: Your Essential Brief Woodcock: Your Essential Brief Q: Is the global estimate of woodcock 1 falling? A: No. The global population of 10-26 million 2 individuals is considered stable 3. Q: Are the woodcock that migrate here

More information

S7L Algal blooms that pollute streams, rivers, and lakes are caused by the presence of

S7L Algal blooms that pollute streams, rivers, and lakes are caused by the presence of S7L-4 1. Algal blooms that pollute streams, rivers, and lakes are caused by the presence of A. lead. B. oxygen. C. mercury. D. phosphates. 2. Plants with spines and waxy leaves are well-suited for life

More information

THE NORTH AMERICAN WILD TURKEY

THE NORTH AMERICAN WILD TURKEY THE NORTH AMERICAN WILD TURKEY Larry Price, NWTF/Eastern subspecies By Scott P. Lerich certified wildlife biologist, National Wild Turkey Federation Turkeys don t always gobble in December but the sound

More information

EEB 2208: TOPIC 10 INVASIVE SPECIES

EEB 2208: TOPIC 10 INVASIVE SPECIES EEB 2208: TOPIC 10 INVASIVE SPECIES Reading for this topic Primack: Chapter 10 (second half). Watch Cane Toads: An Unnatural History: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sblf1tsoaw 1. What are invasive species?

More information

Teacher: Read directions only. Students read passage and answer questions 1-6 independently.

Teacher: Read directions only. Students read passage and answer questions 1-6 independently. 2 nd Grade ELA Benchmark #2 Teacher Assessment [22 points] Teacher: Read directions only. Students read passage and answer questions 1-6 independently. Student Directions: Read both texts and answer questions

More information

Meet The Mammals. Colouring Book. Environment Agency. Northern Ireland.

Meet The Mammals. Colouring Book. Environment Agency. Northern Ireland. Meet The Mammals Colouring Book www.ni-environment.gov.uk Northern Ireland Environment Agency Teacher Notes Welcome to Meet the Mammals. NIEA (Northern ireland Environment Agency) is producing a range

More information

The Amazingly Adapted Arctic Fox By Guy Belleranti

The Amazingly Adapted Arctic Fox By Guy Belleranti A fascinating hunter makes its home in the Arctic tundra. The fluffy white mammal is known to leap high in the air before pouncing on the burrow of its suspected prey. After a few seconds of furious digging,

More information

The Mitten Animal Unit Study

The Mitten Animal Unit Study The Mitten Animal Unit Study by Lit Mama Homeschool There are 7 mammals and a bird who end up sharing Nicki s mitten in the snowy woods in Jan Brett s picture book The Mitten. Each of these creatures is

More information

Lessons from the. Several scrawnycottonwood trees do not usually generate

Lessons from the. Several scrawnycottonwood trees do not usually generate Lessons from the Bringing the top predator back to Yellowstone has triggered a cascade of unanticipated changes in the park s ecosystem Several scrawnycottonwood trees do not usually generate much excitement

More information

Wolves & Coyotes. Literacy Centers For 2 nd & 3 rd Grades. FREE from The Curriculum Corner

Wolves & Coyotes. Literacy Centers For 2 nd & 3 rd Grades. FREE from The Curriculum Corner Wolves & Coyotes Literacy Centers For 2 nd & 3 rd Grades FREE from The Curriculum Corner facts opinions Wolves are the largest members of the dog family. Wolves are pretty animals. Grey wolves are the

More information

2019 Lancaster County Junior Envirothon Forest Mammals

2019 Lancaster County Junior Envirothon Forest Mammals 2019 Lancaster County Junior Envirothon Forest Mammals RED BAT The Red Bat is recognized by its bright rusty colored coat of hair. While some bats do roost in caves or buildings, the Red Bat would prefer

More information

AUGUST 2016 Ashford Park Quarry Pest Plant and Animal Control Plan

AUGUST 2016 Ashford Park Quarry Pest Plant and Animal Control Plan AUGUST 2016 Ashford Park Quarry Pest Plant and Animal Control Plan This Pest Plant and Animal Control Plan has been developed for the Ashford Park Quarry, Otaki as required by Conditions 43 and 44 of the

More information

students a hint to which habitat the animal could live in. If this information is above your students reading level, you may want

students a hint to which habitat the animal could live in. If this information is above your students reading level, you may want tocutthecardsinhalfandonlyusethepictures. Note to teacher: The text on these cards is designed to give students a hint to which habitat the animal could live in. If this information is above your students

More information

The grey partridges of Nine Wells. A study of one square kilometre of arable land south of Addenbrooke s Hospital in Cambridge

The grey partridges of Nine Wells. A study of one square kilometre of arable land south of Addenbrooke s Hospital in Cambridge The grey partridges of Nine Wells A study of one square kilometre of arable land south of Addenbrooke s Hospital in Cambridge John Meed, January 2016 1 Introduction Grey partridge populations are a cause

More information

Water Vole Translocation Project: Abberton ReservoirAbout Water Voles Population Dynamics

Water Vole Translocation Project: Abberton ReservoirAbout Water Voles Population Dynamics Water Vole Translocation Project: Abberton ReservoirAbout Water Voles Measuring up to 24cm, water voles (Arvicola amphibius) are the largest of the British voles and at a quick glace, are often mistaken

More information

Module 2.4: Small Mammals Interpreting with Chinchillas

Module 2.4: Small Mammals Interpreting with Chinchillas Module 2.4: Small Mammals Interpreting with Chinchillas Interpreting with Chinchillas: The theme of your conversations may differ from group to group depending on the program, and the age of your audience.

More information

10/03/18 periods 5,7 10/02/18 period 4 Objective: Reptiles and Fish Reptile scales different from fish scales. Explain how.

10/03/18 periods 5,7 10/02/18 period 4 Objective: Reptiles and Fish Reptile scales different from fish scales. Explain how. 10/03/18 periods 5,7 10/02/18 period 4 Objective: Reptiles and Fish Reptile scales different from fish scales. Explain how. Objective: Reptiles and Fish Reptile scales different from fish scales. Explain

More information

Snowshow Hare, Flying Squirrel, Mouse, Insects Beaver, Snowshow Hare, Flying Squirrel, Mouse, Weasel, Caribou

Snowshow Hare, Flying Squirrel, Mouse, Insects Beaver, Snowshow Hare, Flying Squirrel, Mouse, Weasel, Caribou Rev. 9/22/11 Making a Food Web: Tundra Lemmings Lichens, Grasses Polar Bear Artic fox Artic Hares Lichens and grasses Artic Wolf Artic fox, Caribou, Musk Ox Musk Ox Grasses Artic Fox Lemming, Insects Caribou

More information

Ashley ) Dominique. English February Day: 83. Caracals

Ashley ) Dominique. English February Day: 83. Caracals Ashley (ashleyeickelman@gmail.com ) Dominique English 8 16 February 2018 Day: 83 Caracals Caracals are small carnivorous mammals found in the grasslands around the world. In the forests and savannas a

More information

2016 LANCASTER COUNTY JUNIOR ENVIROTHON STUDY GUIDE: MAMMALS OF PENNSYLVANIA S FIELD HABITATS

2016 LANCASTER COUNTY JUNIOR ENVIROTHON STUDY GUIDE: MAMMALS OF PENNSYLVANIA S FIELD HABITATS 2016 LANCASTER COUNTY JUNIOR ENVIROTHON STUDY GUIDE: MAMMALS OF PENNSYLVANIA S FIELD HABITATS RED FOX: A common carnivore in Pennsylvania, the red fox measures 36 to 40 in length, weighs between 8 to 10

More information

Physical Description Meadow voles are small rodents with legs and tails, bodies, and ears.

Physical Description Meadow voles are small rodents with legs and tails, bodies, and ears. A Guide to Meadow Voles Identification, Biology and Control Methods Identification There are 5 species of Meadow Vole common to California. They are the California Vole, Long-tailed Vole, Creeping Vole,

More information

ANIMAL TRACKS. Take this quick and easy animal track quiz. Put together by Tyler Kent of the VHS forestry class.

ANIMAL TRACKS. Take this quick and easy animal track quiz. Put together by Tyler Kent of the VHS forestry class. ANIMAL TRACKS Take this quick and easy animal track quiz. Put together by Tyler Kent of the VHS forestry class. bear 1.eat mostly berries, nuts, grasses, carrion, and insect larvae 2. have color vision

More information

Title: Sources of Genetic Variation SOLs Bio 7.b.d. Lesson Objectives

Title: Sources of Genetic Variation SOLs Bio 7.b.d. Lesson Objectives Title: Sources of Genetic Variation SOLs Bio 7.b.d. Lesson Objectives Resources Materials Safety Students will understand the importance of genetic variety and evolution as genetic change. Project Wild-Through

More information

Your web browser (Safari 7) is out of date. For more security, comfort and the best experience on this site: Update your browser Ignore

Your web browser (Safari 7) is out of date. For more security, comfort and the best experience on this site: Update your browser Ignore Your web browser (Safari 7) is out of date. For more security, comfort and the best experience on this site: Update your browser Ignore SCAVENGER For the complete encyclopedic entry with media resources,

More information

Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata)

Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata) Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata) NMPIF level: Species Conservation Concern, Level 2 (SC2) NMPIF assessment score: 15 NM stewardship responsibility: Moderate National PIF status: Watch List, Stewardship

More information

Black Bear. Bobcat. Ursus americanus. Lynx rufus

Black Bear. Bobcat. Ursus americanus. Lynx rufus Animal Tracks Many animals inhabit the Smith Creek Park Preserve, but you may never see them because they are only active at night or their instinct is to hide from humans. One way to find out which animals

More information

Management of Sandhills rangelands for greater prairie-chickens

Management of Sandhills rangelands for greater prairie-chickens Management of Sandhills rangelands for greater prairie-chickens Larkin Powell 1, Walter Schacht 1,2, and Lars Anderson 1,2 1 School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 2 Department

More information

Most amphibians begin life as aquatic organisms and then live on land as adults.

Most amphibians begin life as aquatic organisms and then live on land as adults. Section 3: Most amphibians begin life as aquatic organisms and then live on land as adults. K What I Know W What I Want to Find Out L What I Learned Essential Questions What were the kinds of adaptations

More information

Wolf Reintroduction Scenarios Pro and Con Chart

Wolf Reintroduction Scenarios Pro and Con Chart Wolf Reintroduction Scenarios Pro and Con Chart Scenarios Pro Con Scenario 1: Reintroduction of experimental populations of wolves The designation experimental wolves gives the people who manage wolf populations

More information